Local anesthetics are routinely used in dental procedures to ensure comfort and manage pain. Often colloquially referred to as Novocaine, these medications temporarily numb a specific area of the mouth, allowing dentists to perform treatments like fillings, extractions, or root canals without discomfort. While beneficial during the procedure, the lingering numbness can be an inconvenience, leading many to seek ways to shorten its duration and restore normal sensation more quickly.
How Novocaine Affects You
Local anesthetics, commonly known as Novocaine, block nerve signals from reaching the brain. These medications interfere with sodium channels in nerve cells, preventing pain signals from the injection site reaching the central nervous system. While you may still perceive pressure or movement, the sensation of pain is effectively suppressed, creating a comfortable experience during dental work.
The duration of numbness varies based on several factors, including the type and amount of anesthetic administered, the injection site, and an individual’s metabolism. True Novocaine (procaine) typically provides numbness for about 30 to 60 minutes, though modern dental practices more commonly use agents like lidocaine or articaine, which can last longer. When combined with epinephrine, a substance that constricts blood vessels, the numbing effect can extend to 90 minutes or even a few hours, with residual numbness in the lips, face, and tongue sometimes persisting for three to five hours after the procedure. This temporary loss of sensation is a normal and expected part of the recovery process.
Tips to Encourage Faster Wear-Off
You can take several steps to encourage the anesthetic to wear off more quickly. One approach involves stimulating blood flow to the affected area. Gently massaging the cheeks, jaw, or lips, using circular motions, can help increase circulation, which aids in the dispersal of the anesthetic. It is important to avoid directly touching the treatment or injection site and to ensure hands are clean before any massage.
Engaging in light physical activity can also promote faster wear-off by increasing overall blood circulation. Activities such as a brisk walk, light stretching, or gentle jaw exercises can help the body metabolize and clear the anesthetic more efficiently. Always consult with your dentist to ensure that physical activity is appropriate for your specific procedure and recovery. Applying a warm compress to the outside of the cheek can also increase blood flow to the area, assisting in the breakdown of the numbing agent. Ensure the compress is warm, not hot, to prevent burns.
Staying well-hydrated helps your body flush out medications, including local anesthetics. Drinking water can aid in the metabolic process, and some find that sipping warm liquids, such as lukewarm water or tea, further stimulates blood flow. In some cases, dentists can administer a reversal medication, such as OraVerse, which can significantly shorten the duration of numbness. This option may involve an additional injection and often comes at an extra cost not typically covered by insurance.
Staying Safe While Numb
While your mouth is numb, it is important to take precautions to prevent accidental injury. The lack of sensation means you cannot fully control movements or detect temperature, increasing the risk of harm. Avoid chewing on the numb side of your mouth to prevent inadvertently biting your cheek, tongue, or lips, which can lead to painful sores or injuries.
It is also important to refrain from consuming hot foods or beverages until full sensation has returned. With a numb mouth, you cannot accurately gauge the temperature of food or drinks, potentially leading to burns. When eating or drinking, choose soft, bland foods and proceed with caution to avoid discomfort or injury. If a child has received local anesthetic, supervise them closely to prevent them from biting or playing with the numb area.
When to Contact Your Dentist
While temporary numbness is a normal part of dental recovery, certain signs indicate that you should contact your dental professional. If the numbness persists significantly longer than the expected duration, for instance, beyond four to five hours, or up to 12 hours for some more invasive procedures, it warrants a call to your dentist. Prolonged numbness can sometimes suggest nerve compression or, in rare instances, nerve damage.
Contact your dentist if you experience unusual pain or swelling alongside the numbness, as these could be signs of complications. Additionally, be aware of any signs of an allergic reaction or infection, such as difficulty breathing, hives, itching, widespread swelling, an irregular heartbeat, or trembling. Any difficulty moving your face normally or a loss of taste should also prompt you to seek professional guidance.